Authors

Abstract

The current study reported on links between fourth-grade children’s academic competence and behavioral adjustment and mothers’ and fathers’ psychological autonomy, controlling for effects of parental limit-setting and warmth. In a sample of 91 two-parent families, parents’ warmth and limit-setting were observed while interacting with their fourth-grade child, and children reported on their parents’ psychological autonomy. Fourth-grade teachers rated children’s academic competence and behavioral adjustment in the classroom. Fathers’ psychological autonomy was a unique correlate of greater academic competence and fewer signs of depression in the classroom, after accounting for the effects of fathers’ warmth and limit-setting. Discussion focuses on the role of fathers’ psychological autonomy in promoting adjustment in late childhood.